Apparatus for organizing and delivering items

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a human body attachable apparatus for assisting a user, such as a mail carrier, with organizing and delivery of items, for example postal matter. This apparatus contemplates simple, stable collation with one arm, thus enabling those who only have the use of one arm to effectively transport mail and enable those who have the use of two arms to do so with greater ease and efficiency. The apparatus includes a surface for maintaining items while also providing elements to secure, hold and retain items in order to organize, transport and deliver the items.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to human body attachable apparatus for transporting items, and more specifically an apparatus to assist in the organization and delivery of such items.

BACKGROUND

For purposes of this application, the items of the present invention is discussed and described in reference to postal matter, or mail, but the present invention can be used for any object, article, or thing.

For purposes of this application, the present invention is discussed and described in reference to a mail carrier, but the present invention is applicable to any user.

Every person who delivers mail, referred to herein as a “mail carrier” or simply “carrier”, has to organize and maintain a variety of mail types for delivery to address points. The first type is “working mail”, which includes magazine flats, large envelopes, and may also include smaller envelopes. The second type of mail is “delivery point sequence” or “direct point sequence” (“DPS”). Working mail and DPS mail is machine sorted and provided to carriers in presorted bundles and typically provided to the carriers in order of delivery. The third type of mail is known as “coverage”, which includes sales papers, catalogs, or brochures. Coverage mail is typically delivered to each and every address point. The fourth type of mail is known as “accountables”, and includes certified mail, insured mail, registered mail, signature confirmation mail, and express mail. The fifth and last type of mail is “packages” which are boxes or parcels of different weight and size. Coverage, accountables, and packages are typically hand sorted. All types of mail that carriers maintain, organize and deliver is collectively referred to herein as “postal matter”.

Normally, the carrier collates postal matter for an address point with the use of both hands and both arms. Typically, a carrier uses a first hand to sort through working mail whereupon the selected working mail is cradled with the carrier's second arm. The carrier again uses the first hand to sort through DPS mail whereupon the selected DPS mail is held in the carrier's second hand. Thus, the carrier simultaneously cradles the selected working mail with the second arm and holds the selected DPS mail in the second hand. The first hand is also used to sort and select coverage mail, accountables, and packages, which are typically located within the carrier's mail bag or satchel, for delivery to the address point.

This method requires coordination, balance, and full use of two hands and an arm and considered by some to be uncomfortable, inefficient, and unstable. This method is not only time consuming, but also may subject the mail carrier to a risk of injury.

Devices for carrying mail exist, but they do not adequately address all of the needs of the carrier. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,488 is a device that must be strapped on the forearm between the elbow and the hand of the carrier and has two compartments. U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0000857 is a device with two compartments that is also supported on the forearm. These devices are deficient in several respects, for example, they require support by the forearm and fail to provide use of both arms simultaneously.

There is a need for an apparatus that assists a mail carrier in the organization and delivery of postal matter. The present invention satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus for assisting a mail carrier with organizing and delivery of postal matter. According to the present invention, the apparatus does not require support by one or more arms. This apparatus contemplates simple, stable collation requiring only one hand, thus enabling those who only have the use of one arm or hand to effectively deliver mail and enable those who have the use of two arms or hands to do so with greater ease and efficiency. The apparatus may decrease the risk of injury to the carrier, which is a substantial benefit since many mail carriers experience or are at risk to develop arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome.

One embodiment the present invention is an apparatus that comprises a working element, a first support element and a securing element.

The working element may be any size or shape and constructed from any material in order to provide a surface for maintaining postal matter. The first support element secures the apparatus, more specifically, the working element to a body of a carrier. For example, the first support element is positioned substantially about the neck or shoulders of a carrier such that the working element remains level. The first support element is connected to the working element via a first connecting element. The securing element is positioned on the top surface of the working element and may be constructed of any material such that the securing element secures postal matter on the top surface of the working element. It is further contemplated that the securing element may have elastic properties to be easily manipulated by the carrier. Any number of securing elements is contemplated.

In another embodiment of the apparatus includes a holding element and yet another embodiment of the apparatus further includes a retaining element. The holding element and retaining element are positioned along a side of the working element and may be any size or shape and constructed from any material in order to hold or retain postal matter.

The holding element and retaining element may be any size, shape and constructed from any material to hold postal matter. Also, any number of holding elements and retaining elements are contemplated.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a second support element connected to the working element via a second connecting element. The second support element further secures the apparatus to the body of a carrier. For example, the second support element is positioned substantially about the waist of a carrier such that the working element remains level.

The first support element and second support element may be, for example, a strap, strip, harness or lanyard made of any material such as plastic, leather, or fabric. The first support element and second support element may further be adjustable to accommodate various positions of the working element with respect to the body of a carrier such that the apparatus is comfortable. It is also contemplated that in certain embodiments the first support element is attached to the second support element.

The first connecting element and second connecting element may be anything to connect the first support element and second support element, respectively, to the working element. For example, the first connecting element and second connecting element may be adhesive, weld, brackets, anchors, or hooks, to name a few.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further includes accessories. Accessories may include, for example, an umbrella, a lighting device, or animal repellant. It is contemplated that the accessories may be easily removable or securely affixed to the apparatus.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus worn by a carrier according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of this application, the items of the present invention are discussed and described in reference to postal matter, or mail, but the present invention can be used for any object, article, or thing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises a working element 100, a first support element 200 and a securing element 300. The working element 100 is a rectangular aluminum platform 102 and includes a top surface 104, bottom surface 106, a first side boundary 108, a second side boundary 110, a third side boundary 112, and a fourth side boundary 114. The first support element 200 includes a first end 204 and a second end 206, and is shown in FIG. 1 as a strap 202. A first connecting element 400, here a bracket 402, connects the strap 202 to the platform 102. The first connecting element 400 is positioned on the top surface 104 of the working element 100. The ends 204, 206 of the first support element 200 connect to the first connecting element 400 such that the first support element 200 may be positioned substantially about the neck of a carrier. The securing element 300 includes a first edge 304 and a second edge 306 and is positioned on the top surface 104 of the working element 100. The first edge 304 of the securing element 300 connects to the first side boundary 108 of the working element 100 and the second edge 306 of the securing element 300 connects to the second side boundary 110 of the working element 100. The securing element 300 is shown as an elastic band 302.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 20 further comprises a holding element 500. Holding element 500 is positioned on the third side boundary 112 of the working element 100, although the holding element 500 may be positioned on any side boundary 108, 110, 114 of the working element 100. As shown in FIG. 2, holding element 500 is a plurality of grasping components 502.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 30 further comprises a retaining element 600. Retaining element 600 is positioned on the second side boundary 110 of the working element 100, although the retaining element 600 may be positioned on any side boundary 108, 112, 114 of the working element 100. As shown in FIG. 2, retaining element 600 is a bin 602.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 40 includes a second support element 250 with a first ending 254 and a second ending 256, and is shown in FIG. 4 as an adjustable belt 252. A second connecting element 450, here adhesive 452, connects the adjustable belt 252 to working element 100. Specifically, the second connecting elements 450 are positioned on the fourth side boundary 114 of the working element 100. The endings 254, 256 of the second support element 250 connect to the second connecting element 450 such that the second support element 250 may be positioned substantially about the waist of a carrier such that the working element 100 remains level.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 4 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 50 further comprises a holding element 500. Holding element 500 is positioned on the first side boundary 108 of the working element 100. Here, the holding element 500 is a basket 504.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 4 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 60 further comprises a retaining element 600. Retaining element 600 is positioned on the third side boundary 112 of the working element 100. Here, the retaining element 600 is a container 604.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 70 includes a working element 100, a securing element 300, a holding element 500, and two retaining elements 600. The first edge 304 of the securing element 300 connects to the first side boundary 108 of the working element 100 and the second edge 306 of the securing element 300 connects to the second side boundary 110 of the working element 100 such that the securing element 300 is positioned on the top surface 104 of the working element 100. The securing element 300 is shown as a spring band 308. Holding element 500, shown as a receptacle 506, is positioned on the first side boundary 108 of the working element 100. Retaining elements 600 are positioned on the second side boundary 110 and third side boundary 112 of the working element 100. As shown, retaining element 600 on the second side boundary 110 is a receptacle 606 and retaining element 600 on the third side boundary 112 is a receptacle 608.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first support element 200 is attached to the second support element 250. The first support element 200 is a lanyard 208 and the second support element 250 is a harness 258. A first connecting element 400 positioned on the top surface 104 of the working element 100 connects the lanyard 208 to the working element 100. A second connecting element 450 positioned on the fourth boundary 114 of the working element 100 connects the harness 258 to the working element 100. A third connecting element 260 connects the first support element 200 to the second support element 250. More specifically, weld 262 connects the lanyard 208 and harness 258.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 80 includes accessories 700. As shown in FIG. 8, accessories 700 include an umbrella 702, a lighting device 704, and animal repellant 706 attached to the working element 100, although it is contemplated that the accessories may be attached to the securing element 300, holding element 500 or retaining element 600. According to this embodiment, the umbrella 702 is attached to the first side boundary 108 of the working element 100 to protect the carrier from various weather elements, for example, sun and rain. Lighting device 704 is attached to the top surface 104 of the working element 100 to provide illumination. Animal repellant 706 is attached to the bottom surface 106 of the working element 100 in the event the carrier must combat aggressive animals.

FIG. 9 is perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 worn by a carrier according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the carrier places the second support element 250 over the shoulders.

As an example, the carrier can organize postal matter by collating working mail, DPS mail, coverage mail, accountables, and packages in order to transport and deliver the postal matter. As an example, a carrier that only has use of one arm may use the present invention by placing all working mail in the holding element of the apparatus and placing all DPS mail in the retaining element of the apparatus. Any coverage, accountables or packages would remain in the mail carrier's satchel. The mail carrier uses the present invention to collate all mail for delivery to an address point: any coverage mail is pulled from the satchel and placed in the securing element; any working mail is grabbed from the holding element and placed in the securing element; and any DPS mail is grabbed from the retaining element and placed in the securing element. The mail carrier grabs the collated mail in the securing element and delivers it to the address point. Any accountables or packages are also delivered. This example is for illustrative purposes only—any type of mail may be placed in any of the securing, holding, or retaining element according to the present invention, and any order of collation is contemplated.

The working element as discussed herein, for example as a rectangular platform constructed from aluminum, is for illustrative purposes only. The working element may be any size or shape and constructed from any material in order to provide a light-weight surface for maintaining postal matter.

The first support element and second support element as discussed herein, for example as a strap, lanyard, and harness, is for illustrative purposes only. The support elements may be any size, shape, or material such as plastic, leather, rubber or fabric in order to secure the apparatus, more specifically the working element, to a body of a carrier such that the working element remains level. Additionally, the support elements may be adjustable.

The securing element is positioned on the top surface of the working element and is shown in the above referenced FIGS. as an elastic band and as a spring band, but may be constructed of any material such that the securing element is expandable or resilient or weighted in order for the securing element to secure postal matter.

The holding element and retaining element are positioned along a side of the working element and may be any size or shape and constructed from any material in order to hold or retain postal matter. For example, the holding element and retaining element may be a plurality of grasping components, bin, container, bag, barrel, basket, box, bucket, netting, cage, can, canister, capsule, crate, cup, holder, pouch, or receptacle.

The first connecting element, second connecting element, and third connecting element may be anything to connect the various elements of the apparatus, for example, adhesive, weld, brackets, anchors, or hooks, to name a few.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention, which have been described, are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a working element including a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side boundary, a second side boundary, a third side boundary and a fourth side boundary; a first support element adapted for positioning substantially about the body of a user; a first connecting element, wherein said first connecting element connects said working element and said first support element; and a securing element, wherein said securing element is positioned on said top surface of said working element for securing an item.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a holding element positioned on one of said side boundaries of said working element for holding an item.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a retaining element positioned on one of said side boundaries of said working element for retaining an item.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second support element adapted for positioning substantially about the body of a user; and a second connecting element, wherein said second connecting element connects said working element and said second support element.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first support element is adjustable.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said second support element is adjustable.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an accessory attached to said working element.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said accessory is a lighting device.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said accessory is an animal repellant.
 10. An apparatus, comprising: a working element including a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side boundary, a second side boundary, a third side boundary and a fourth side boundary; a securing element, wherein said securing element is positioned on said top surface of said working element for securing an item; a holding element positioned on one of said side boundaries of said working element for holding an item; a retaining element positioned on one of said side boundaries of said working element for retaining an item; a first support element adapted for positioning substantially about the body of a user; a first connecting element, wherein said first connecting element connects said working element and said first support element; a second support element adapted for positioning substantially about the body of a user; and a second connecting element, wherein said second connecting element connects said working element and said second support element.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a third connecting element, wherein said third connecting element connects said first support element and said second support element.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising an accessory attached to said working element. 